Building the Kingdom: Family and Community
At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging and unity. Our Building the Kingdom theme for Autumn Term—Family and Community—reflects our dedication to creating a loving and supportive environment where every child feels valued, cherished, and a vital part of our school family.
Spiritual Foundation
Our theme is deeply rooted in Scripture, reminding us of our call to love and serve one another. As 1 John 4:19-21 teaches:
"Those who say they love God must love their brothers and sisters."
This powerful message shapes our mission to cultivate a community where our love for one another mirrors our love for God.
Whole-School Virtues
For the first half of the autumn term, we are focusing on the Jesuit virtues of Curious & Active:
- Curious – We are eager to learn, ask questions, and explore the world around us with a sense of wonder.
- Active – We get involved, take initiative, and do what we can to make the world a better place for others.
These virtues encourage our pupils to grow in understanding and responsibility, developing a love of learning and a desire to contribute meaningfully to their school, home, Church, and wider community.
Living Our Community Spirit
Our Family and Community theme extends beyond the classroom—it is something we live. We celebrate Black History Month, deepening our understanding of diversity and inclusion through whole-school projects and curriculum links. In October, we are excited to welcome Vivian from VG Dance Workshops for African drumming lessons, further enriching our learning about Black history and culture.
Science in Creation
Our Science in Creation project helps pupils explore the wonders of the natural world while deepening their understanding of their role as stewards of God’s creation. Through this, children reflect on the interconnectedness of all living things and what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God.
See below for our Curriculum Maps: